Finnish Straight-A Graduates’ Perceptions of the Smoothness of the Study Paths

Mari Salmela, Satu Uusiautti

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discuss the smoothness of the study paths by describing Finnish general upper secondary education graduates’ study paths: What factors have promoted and supported straight-A graduates’ study paths? What kind of difficulties have straight-A graduates’ faced in their study paths? This was a narrative study conducted in 2012 by collecting straight-A graduates’ writings (N=14). The data were analyzed with narrative analyzing methods. The results showed the multidimensional nature of study paths: there is not just one way of reaching the same outcome. When it came the smoothness of study paths, it appeared that also the succeed-oriented students need support and guidance with their choices, goals, and strengths.